Sep 22 | Michigan

[TheTeam16]

i would agree with this statement last year, as we saw by the outcome of the game in the way it was won.

Let me preface what I am about to say with the fact I am a huge critique of DR and personally cannot wait until he graduates to move on to a more traditional QB...

Denard is a much better passer this year than he was last year, by leaps and bounds. Look at his mechanics, he has not one time this year, that I have seen, thrown his patented back foot arm punt ball. the two passes he threw for TDs in the bama game actually looked like next level quality throws, cannot believe I just said that.

I am not saying that he will not revert back to his old ways under pressure, it very well could happen. However, if he stays calm and collected and relies on his new found abilities and mechanical pass competency, he will be able to make some throws to a very good WR corp, being defended by backups and converted wide receivers.

And if it does get to the point where he is throwing jump balls, I still like the ability of our two 6'4+ wide receivers to go up and get the ball, praying that is a non factor though haha...

 

[PerthDomer]

Michigan was smoke and mirrors last year. They're worse this year. Also, people at the game have said the secondary looked really good. Blanketed MSU WRs all night. Furthermore, you've failed to pass protect against Bama and done so against Air Force (Not last year's AF even, totally green) and the worst team in the MAC without question in UMASS. UMass is an average to below average 1AA team if they hadn't jumped to D1. I'm banking on us being good and Michigan getting exposed. HARD.

 

[TheTeam16]

I'm sorry but if ND rushes 3 or 4, they will still get pressure and Denard is not a good enough passer to win this game on that alone. He's just not.

With that said, I think your defense is pretty tough. Kovacs seems to be involved in every tackle and they don't quit at all.

Denard has to run to win this game.

Thank you for the complement on the Defense, I admire Jordan Kovacs more than anyone else on this team. The kid has a never ending motor and is a true Michigan man for the ages.

I do however disagree with your statement that rushing 3 or 4 linemen you will be able to get pressure. We shall see though, that is why the game is played!

 

[IrishLion]

If ND gets pressure against Michigan like they should (they got to Maxwell RUSHING THREE PEOPLE SEVERAL TIMES) I think you are going to see patented Denard arm-punts a few times. And 6'4'' or not, I like the youngsters' ability to play the jump ball much better than Gary Gray's. But I'm with you, hopefully it doesn't come down to jump-balls at all... as in, Denard is on the ground and Tuitt is running the other way to score after a sack/forced fumble

 

[PerthDomer]

Furthermore, you lost your best corner to a torn ACL. MSU had better players at every position on D besides maybe safety and even then I'm not completely sold.

 

[TheTeam16]

Michigan was smoke and mirrors last year. They're worse this year. Also, people at the game have said the secondary looked really good. Blanketed MSU WRs all night. Furthermore, you've failed to pass protect against Bama and done so against Air Force (Not last year's AF even, totally green) and the worst team in the MAC without question in UMASS. UMass is an average to below average 1AA team if they hadn't jumped to D1. I'm banking on us being good and Michigan getting exposed. HARD.

Little brothers wide receiving corps is also no where near as talented as our corp. It is not even close, not by hands, speed, height, nothing.

We failed to pass protect against bama due to the fact their secondary was so good, we suffered coverage sacks in that game, not true pressure sacks (as evidenced by their rushing tendencies).

And we didnt allow any sacks against air force, the pass protection was good that day, as expected against undersized d-linemen.

 

[koonja]

TheTeam16, did you guys come out clean from the UMass game, no injuries or anything? And what's your prediction for this coming game?

 

[TheTeam16]

If ND gets pressure against Michigan like they should (they got to Maxwell RUSHING THREE PEOPLE SEVERAL TIMES) I think you are going to see patented Denard arm-punts a few times. And 6'4'' or not, I like the youngsters' ability to play the jump ball much better than Gary Gray's. But I'm with you, hopefully it doesn't come down to jump-balls at all... as in, Denard is on the ground and Tuitt is running the other way to score after a sack/forced fumble

I would argue our O-Line is also better than little brothers, especially on the blind side, not even close. Devin Gardner is the ultimate weapon in this game. If he and Denard are on the same page and borges has his head on right that night (big long shot) it could mean big, big plays.

Who knows though.

 

[TheTeam16]

TheTeam16, did you guys come out clean from the UMass game, no injuries or anything? And what's your prediction for this coming game?

We came out from the UMASS game with no injuries, and we are getting 2 of our better players back for this game that have missed time so far this season. Should be a huge boost in the running game and the LB corp.

As for the prediction, man I really think this is going to be a great game! I could be completely wrong. I am leaning more to ND, just to the fact as I have previously stated I am not sure Denard can keep his cool and execute his new pass mechanics, if he does I really like our chances.

As we have found out in the last few years, when number 16 is in the game anything is possible, as much as I know you guys hate to hear it. I would think you would mostly agree.

Right now I am going to say Notre Dame, 31-35.

 

[aubeirish]

Thank you for the complement on the Defense, I admire Jordan Kovacs more than anyone else on this team. The kid has a never ending motor and is a true Michigan man for the ages.

I do however disagree with your statement that rushing 3 or 4 linemen you will be able to get pressure. We shall see though, that is why the game is played!

Well, we did it against MSU a few times. It's going to be interesting. No doubt Notre Dame will be very pump to play Michigan. You should have seen the reaction in the locker room when Kelly said that they have to start focusing on Michigan.

 

[TheTeam16]

Well, we did it against MSU a few times. It's going to be interesting. No doubt Notre Dame will be very pump to play Michigan. You should have seen the reaction in the locker room when Kelly said that they have to start focusing on Michigan.

What happened in the Locker room?

 

[IrishLion]

Well, we did it against MSU a few times. It's going to be interesting. No doubt Notre Dame will be very pump to play Michigan. You should have seen the reaction in the locker room when Kelly said that they have to start focusing on Michigan.

I've seen halftime and post-game speeches by Kelly mentioned in several places. Is there a video or something I am unaware of? (I stay away from the message boards on gameday, I like to focus my full attention on the TV. Plus my gameday rage, win or lose, would be too much for the internet to handle)

EDIT: and to be clear, I've heard only GOOD things.

 

[aubeirish]

All good things for sure.

In the after game speech, Kelly said to celebrate the MSU, and then, tomorrow they were going to start focusing on Michigan. The guys started shouting and looking fired up like they were ready to take on Michigan right away. To me, that is a good sign.

 

[Downinthebend]

Think we'll choke in primetime in our place again?

 

[Crimson streak]

I honestly have a lot of confidence in russell. I think he has out played Jackson so far. He has the great closing speed so when his technique isn't good he makes up for it with his speed. I expect to see a lot of nickel this week and I absolutely love the play of shumate, he is going to be very special

 

[TheTeam16]

All good things for sure.

In the after game speech, Kelly said to celebrate the MSU, and then, tomorrow they were going to start focusing on Michigan. The guys started shouting and looking fired up like they were ready to take on Michigan right away. To me, that is a good sign.

So basically its the same thing that Hoke said to Michigan after our game? Sorry not trying to be an a-hole but thats about the same thing that happens post game in a locker room after every win.

No one on this Michigan team wants to be the kid that blew the streak against ND, they all want to go out winning against ND every time they stepped on the field in their career.

We will see the best efforts of both teams, this is certain. This game means to much to not get best efforts from each and every player. If the players need any help getting up and pumped for Michigan v. ND...they need not step on the field in my opinion.

 

[aubeirish]

Yea, that part of my comment wasn't directed to you. It was for the Irish fans that think that we are going to be flat next saturday. I am sure Michigan will be up to task too.

 

[PerthDomer]

I think we see Cierre continue his coming out party from the end of the MSU game.

 

[Bogtrotter07]

Very true, I don't know if I would advise Kelly to do that though with an inexperienced QB.

Honestly from our view we are most worried about Golson playing poorly, and subsequently Rees getting subbed in later on. Heard that concern from multiple Michigan fans today.

There is your proof. Not a one of em!

 

[phork]

Little brothers wide receiving corps is also no where near as talented as our corp. It is not even close, not by hands, speed, height, nothing.

We failed to pass protect against bama due to the fact their secondary was so good, we suffered coverage sacks in that game, not true pressure sacks (as evidenced by their rushing tendencies).

And we didnt allow any sacks against air force, the pass protection was good that day, as expected against undersized d-linemen.

Gardner is a horrible receiver. They have even said he'll be back at QB next year. He turns the wrong way a lot of times. Funchess came out of no where, but don't expect the cup cake defenses you have faced the last 2 weeks.

I am still not sure of our club with what PennSt did to Navy and the whole Purdue mysteriousness. But we punched a great defense in the mouth on Saturday, at their place. Your defense is less daunting and your secondary is just as suspect. They were the weak spot last year and I can't say there has been dramatic improvement. With the loss of Martin and VanBergen, and watching UMass and Molnar run a similar offense against you, I expect the running game to break it off and do the bulk of the work.

Last year should have been a blow out. Rees fumble going for 31 points made Kelly hit the panic button and go conservative, and of course Gary Gray's contributions allowed you to get back in the game.

Without Gray and with a QB that has scrambling ability I expect no different this year. 35-10.

 

[Walter White]

So what's the general opinion on how we go about defending the X-factor in this game (Robinson)?

Do we let our D-line attack him and possibly give him holes to break through? Or do we play disciplined lane football and give him the opportunity to pass?

Could anyone give a brief summary of the Mich St. recipe for shutting down Michigan I have heard so much?

I am not the slightest bit worried about stopping their rushing attack from their Rb's. Our D-line is even stouter against the run than they are at generating a pass rush.

 

[Bogtrotter07]

We came out from the UMASS game with no injuries, [that is because they didn't have to play] and we are getting 2 of our better players back for this game that have missed time so far this season [one or both felons?] . Should be a huge boost in the running game and the LB corp. [Hope you make good use of it.]

As for the prediction, man I really think this is going to be a great game! [What else?] I could be completely wrong. [Nahhhw!]I am leaning more to ND, just to the fact as I have previously stated I am not sure Denard can keep his cool and execute his new pass mechanics, [just like against Bama?] if he does I really like our chances. [Me too.]

As we have found out in the last few years, when number 16 is in the game anything is possible, [[well almost anything, but it was fun watching pigs fly] as much as I know you guys hate to hear it. [I don't mind] I would think you would mostly agree. [Not so much.]

Right now I am going to say Notre Dame, 31-35. [Do you realize how confusing you made this? Do you mean Notre Dame 35 - Michigan 31, because that sort of contradicts all the evidence you rolled up earlier in your post.]

Another educated opinion.

 

[Bogtrotter07]

So what's the general opinion on how we go about defending the X-factor in this game (Robinson)?

Do we let our D-line attack him and possibly give him holes to break through? Or do we play disciplined lane football and give him the opportunity to pass?

Could anyone give a brief summary of the Mich St. recipe for shutting down Michigan I have heard so much?

I am not the slightest bit worried about stopping their rushing attack from their Rb's. Our D-line is even stouter against the run than they are at generating a pass rush.

You make him pass, and don't let your corners turn around. So far this year they have kept their eyes on the ball.

And ND has gotten pressure against both Big 10 teams they have played with their base down linemen. And I don't think this Saturday's line has the depth, strength, experience or athleticism of what we have already faced. Maybe someone could correct me on this.

 

[IrishLion]

Another educated opinion.

Now Bog, he doesn't necessarily contradict himself predicting an Irish win. He hopes that he will see Denard acting as a polished passer, but also recognizes that the Irish D may force him into the lame-duck throws we are used to. I think he's being fair.

 

[irishfanjho15]

Another educated opinion.

This is the guy who said he couldn't wait for Denard to graduate but his username is TheTeam16, which is not surprising considering number 16 is really the WHOLE Michigan team.

 

[Walter White]

You make him pass, and don't let your corners turn around. So far this year they have kept their eyes on the ball.

And ND has gotten pressure against both Big 10 teams they have played with their base down linemen. And I don't think this Saturday's line has the depth, strength, experience or athleticism of what we have already faced. Maybe someone could correct me on this.

I absolutely believe that we could get pressure with just our base three lineman. My question was more along the lines of "do we want to generate pressure?" It may be wiser to have play QB contain and stick to a lane, but I am not sure what the correct strategy should be under these circumstances.

 

[IrishLion]

So what's the general opinion on how we go about defending the X-factor in this game (Robinson)?

Do we let our D-line attack him and possibly give him holes to break through? Or do we play disciplined lane football and give him the opportunity to pass?

Could anyone give a brief summary of the Mich St. recipe for shutting down Michigan I have heard so much?

I am not the slightest bit worried about stopping their rushing attack from their Rb's. Our D-line is even stouter against the run than they are at generating a pass rush.

I think you let KLM-Day-Tuitt-Nix (or KLM-Day-Tuitt-Shembo) or (Day-Tuitt-Schwenke-Williams) get after him, and run a spy with Manti. Let #5 cover the pass over the middle, but also keep him there so he can punish Denard if he escapes the pass rush. Won't need to blitz much, but blitz enough (or show blitz enough and then back off) to keep Denard nervous... he'll be nervous enough after the first time Tuitt gets in the backfield

 

[PerthDomer]

How long until Hoke throws in the towel and goes into full protect Denard mode like vs. Bama? Methinks Denard will not like getting hit by the d boys. Not one bit.

 

[irishfanjho15]

I absolutely believe that we could get pressure with just our base three lineman. My question was more along the lines of "do we want to generate pressure?" It may be wiser to have play QB contain and stick to a lane, but I am not sure what the correct strategy should be under these circumstances.

If you have the means, re-watch Bama/UM. They created pressure around DR with their three man front and closed a pocket around him while spying with one or two players. You're only committing between 4 and 6 (leaving 7 to 5 in pass coverage) defenders at a time and if you play bend but don't break in the defensive backfield (while capitalizing on the inevitable bad passes he'll throw) you can make it hard for him to scramble and make him be a pocket passer. If we make DR have to throw to win, I love our chances.

 

[Walter White]

I think you let KLM-Day-Tuitt-Nix (or KLM-Day-Tuitt-Shembo) or (Day-Tuitt-Schwenke-Williams) get after him, and run a spy with Manti. Let #5 cover the pass over the middle, but also keep him there so he can punish Denard if he escapes the pass rush. Won't need to blitz much, but blitz enough (or show blitz enough and then back off) to keep Denard nervous... he'll be nervous enough after the first time Tuitt gets in the backfield

Makes sense. Probably would want to run a spy with a faster player than Manti though. Maybe a nickel/star Shumate fills that role or have Farley stay closer to the line.